How to Set & Achieve Goals: 2 Surprising Science-Backed Steps You Must Follow | The Mel Robbins Podcast

Intro

In this episode of “The Mel Robbins Podcast,” Mel Robbins offers a comprehensive toolkit to help listeners set and achieve inspiring goals. She emphasizes the importance of goals in giving life purpose, meaning, and excitement, and shares surprising science-backed steps to ensure success in goal-setting.

Main Takeaways

The Power of Setting Goals

• Setting goals gives life purpose, meaning, and excitement.
• Goals interrupt the monotonous day-to-day routine and make life feel easier.
• Having goals is crucial for success and achievement.

The Science of Goal-Setting

• Research simplifies goal-setting into two major components for success: the “will” and the “way” of a goal.
• Common mistakes in goal-setting can prevent achievement.
• Setting self-concordant goals, which are personally relevant and meaningful, is crucial for successful goal-setting.

Refining Goals for Success

• Avoiding common mistakes in goal-setting, such as focusing only on “how” and forgetting “why,” setting too many goals, and having goals that are too general.
• Linking goals to personal values and core beliefs makes them unstoppable.
• Using the third person perspective helps crystallize and achieve personal goals better.

The Sweet Spot in Goal-Setting

• Goals should be specific, achievable, and on a timeline.
• Research suggests that goals should fall into the “sweet spot” between being too easy and too hard.
• Defining how you will know if you have succeeded at your goal helps refine it further.

The Importance of Taking Action

• Taking small steps towards goals is crucial for progress.
• Starting right away, even with just five minutes, can result in the most change.
• Pursuing goals creates meaning and purpose in life, leading to increased happiness and a more satisfying life.

Summary

Setting Goals for Purpose and Meaning

Mel Robbins highlights the importance of setting goals in giving life purpose, meaning, and excitement. By interrupting the monotonous day-to-day routine, goals make life feel easier and more fulfilling. Setting goals the right way is crucial for success and achievement.

The Science of Goal-Setting

Research simplifies goal-setting into two major components: the “will” and the “way” of a goal. The “will” refers to the motivational and emotional aspects of behavior change, while the “way” involves executive functioning and includes knowing the skills, having a plan, and the push to act. Setting self-concordant goals, which are personally relevant and meaningful, is crucial for successful goal-setting.

Refining Goals for Success

Avoiding common mistakes in goal-setting, such as focusing only on “how” and forgetting “why,” setting too many goals, and having goals that are too general, is essential for achieving success. Linking goals to personal values and core beliefs makes them unstoppable. Using the third person perspective helps crystallize and achieve personal goals better.

The Sweet Spot in Goal-Setting

Goals should be specific, achievable, and on a timeline. Research suggests that goals should fall into the “sweet spot” between being too easy and too hard. Defining how you will know if you have succeeded at your goal helps refine it further, ensuring it is challenging yet attainable.

The Importance of Taking Action

Taking small steps towards goals is crucial for progress. Starting right away, even with just five minutes, can result in significant change. Pursuing goals creates meaning and purpose in life, leading to increased happiness, suppression of negative emotions, and a more satisfying life.

Conclusion

Setting and achieving goals is essential for a greater sense of purpose, meaning, and happiness in life. By following the science-backed steps and avoiding common mistakes, listeners can refine their goals and ensure success. Taking action, no matter how small, is key to progress and personal growth. Remember, goals should be deeply personal and tied to something you are willing to work for. Commit to your goals and turn them into habits to shape who you are as a person.